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If you have mobility problems, you may have to decide whether a treadmill or Treadclimber will give you a cardiovascular workout without excessive stress on your joints. Both pieces of equipment have distinct differences, advantages and disadvantages. An appreciation of these should help you choose which one suits your capabilities and will help you achieve your fitness goals.

The Good Old Treadmill

Treadmills are commonly available in most gyms, or you can buy one for home use. Walking or running on a treadmill elevates your heart and breathing rates for a cardiovascular workout that burns calories, improves your fitness and strengthens your heart and lungs. Most treadmills in a gym have an incline feature. Walking or running uphill increase the intensity of your workout and activate more muscle fibers in your quadriceps, hamstrings and butt.

Getting to Know Your Treadclimber

Sold and marketed solely by Nautilus Bowflex, Treadclimbers are not commonly available as treadmills, and are pretty expensive to buy for home use. According to the "Bowflex Treadclimber Assembly Guide and User Manual," the Treadclimber combines the properties of a treadmill, stairclimber and elliptical machine. The Treadclimber consists of two independent treads called treadles. Select your speed and elevate your heart and breathing rates by walking on the treadles.

Using a Treadmill

Walking or running on a treadmill places more stress on your joints than using a treadclimber. Your walking gait and running action involve landing on your heels and the balls of your feet. This can jar your back as well as your knees and hips. This may not be desirable if you have significant joint or mobility problems. The impact on your joints is more pronounced if you increase the speed of your treadmill to walk or run faster. Some treadmills have thicker cushioned surfaces that help reduce the impact on your joints.

Using a Treadclimber

Treadclimbers may be versatile; however, the speed of the treadles is limited to between 0.5 and 4.5 mph. This limits you to walking. Vary the intensity of your workout by choosing a setting that makes you take deeper steps that engage more muscle fibers in your quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes. Treadclimber workouts place minimal stress on your joints. The "Treadclimber Owner's Manual" says that Treadclimbers use "adjustable hyraulic resistance cylinders to absorb your steps and cushion your joints." The treadles rise in an elliptical fashion to meet your feet. The treads on elliptical machines move in a similar fashion. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that elliptical machines place less stress on your knees and hips than treadmills.

About the Author

Ollie Odebunmi's involvement in fitness as a trainer and gym owner dates back to 1983. He published his first book on teenage fitness in December 2012. Odebunmi is a black belt in taekwondo and holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Kingston University in the United Kingdom.